BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) – Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz spent the bulk of his weekly briefing clarifying issues with the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine.
He even quipped that this rollout should be added to the list of things people don't want to see made, such as the way sausage is made and how government is run.
"It is ugly everywhere and I know that's not what people want me to say," Poloncarz said. "It's not what we're hoping it would be. It's not just Erie County and New York State, it's like it everywhere. I know it's terrible across the board in Canada and it's bad in Ohio. It's bad in Texas."
The latest snafu in the vaccine rollout came this week. Eligible recipients of the vaccine in "Phase 1B", which includes first responders, teachers, transit workers, were told they could sign up through the state for an appointment. Eligible people were then directed to contact the Erie County Department of Health.
However, the phone number the state issued for Erie County's Health Department was not the correct one to schedule an appointment.
Simultaneous, New York State said Erie County's STD clinic on William Street in Buffalo could begin vaccinating individuals in 1B. People began showing up to the clinic asking for a vaccine only to be turned away because the clinic had no vaccines to offer.
More issues are on the horizon. Erie County has already booked all appointments for the coronavirus vaccine at undisclosed sites for the remainder of January. Those eligible to get the vaccine and have an appointment to do so aren't even guaranteed to receive it.
"It's a very limited supply," Poloncarz said.
Erie County only has enough doses to last through Saturday's clinics. The latest doses arrived late Tuesday afternoon.
In talks with Governor Andrew Cuomo and his administration, Poloncarz said he asked the state if the county still had to schedule appointments even though there was no promise of a vaccine supply. He said the state told the county to continue taking appointments.
"We are taking our orders from New York State on this," Poloncarz said. "If we do not get new vaccines, then we are going to have to cancel appointments. I wish we didn't have to do this. We have been told to go about it this method."
Below are some answers to common questions regarding the vaccine based on information from New York State and Erie County.
Who is currently eligible to receive it? Groups in phase 1A (health care workers and nursing homes/congregate care centers) and phase 1B (people age 65+, first responders, transit workers, teachers, child care providers, grocery store workers). All told, there are 7 million New Yorkers eligible to get the vaccine. Click here and fill out the state form to see if you are eligible:
How many vaccines are there? New York State is currently receiving 300,000 vaccines from the federal government per week.
Where will I get my vaccine? Many pharmacies, grocery stores, hospitals, and county health departments are offering the vaccine. If you are eligible, you can choose which place to get a vaccine. Hospitals will prioritize health care workers, counties will prioritize essential workers, and pharmacies will prioritize those age 65 and older. Click here for a full list of vaccination sites in Western New York.
What do I bring with me to get a vaccine?: You must bring proof of eligibility. This may include an ID card, letter from an employer, or pay stub depending on your priority status.
How much does the vaccine cost?: The vaccines are free. There is no administration fee.
I'm eligible for a vaccine but can't sign up for an appointment: The Erie County Department of Health will notify those who qualify about vaccine appointment availability.
Click here to fill out the form
I'm young, healthy, and not an essential worker. When can I get the vaccine? Officials believe the vaccine will not be widely available to the general public for months.
